Medical Aid in Dying
Although Oregon's Death with Dignity Act was enacted in 1997, many people and physicians are still unfamiliar with the process and the requirements. The lack of clarity often provides unneeded obstacles for people seeking Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD.
If a person is interested in pursuing MAiD, then they should first contact the non-profit group End of Life Choices Oregon (EOLCOR.org). This group helps connect those pursuing MAiD and the physicians that are willing to prescribe. Often the most time consuming part of the process is finding a prescribing and consulting physician. Each physician will meet with the patient and must determine that the person has a terminal illness and has less than 6 months to live. The person requesting the prescription must be acting voluntarily, without coercion from friends and family, and must not have a psychiatric or psychological disorder that would cause impairment in the decision making process. If either the prescribing physician or consulting physician feel the person does have a psychiatric or psychological disorder, they can refer them to a psychiatrist for evaluation.
Other than simply finding the prescribing and consulting physician, there are three parts of the process that can impact how quickly someone can get a prescription. The Oregon law was originally written to require a fifteen day waiting period between the initial request and a second request. The prescription could only be written after the second request. Currently, the prescribing physician can waive that fifteen day waiting period if they feel it is necessary. Additionally, a written request for MAiD has to be provided to the prescribing provider signed by two witnesses. The physician must wait 48 hours after receiving that written request before writing a prescription. Lastly, there are no pharmacies in Southern Oregon that compound the prescription. So the prescription must be mailed to a pharmacy in Eugene or Portland, the pharmacy must compound the prescription, and then they will mail the medication back to the person making the request. That process often can take four or five days.
Many, but not all of our hospice workers are able to be present when someone takes the prescriptions and the EOLCOR volunteers are also willing to be present. They are instrumental in helping the person taking the medication as well as their family and friends through the process. The individual must be able to ingest the medication on their own accord, but the hospice workers and volunteers are able to give other logistical and emotional support.
If you or someone you know is even considering Medical Aid in Dying, please reach out to End of Life Choices Oregon.
Dr. Megan Frost
